Military to Civilian Resume Sample

Free Resume Template: What Makes a Good One?

You can drown in the "free resume examples," "free resume templates," and "free resume samples" on the web.

In my opinion, a single thing makes one free resume template different from another: results.

Find a free resume template that will help you create a resume that'll win you a job.

That means several things have to be true about this template you're considering.

First, it has to be able to produce a jaw-dropping summary at the top of page one. If it'll only let you plug in an objective statement, even if it's a good one, you won't necessarily be able to produce the resume you want to. At least not the kind I'd recommend.

Second, it has to be flexible. If you can't rearrange things easily, or change fonts and formatting, you'll be too locked in. It'll be like a Soviet all-you-eat buffet. They give you a small plate of food and say, "There. That's all you can eat."

Third, it has to have a professional, attractive layout. You want to STAND out, not STICK out. Go for a professional, probably more traditional look. The layout should include ample white space, simply because it "sells" better.

Fourth, it has to be in Word format. If you're dealing with software, it has to allow you to save or export to Word format. This is the industry standard. If you deliver something to a recruiter in electronic form, and it isn't Word, you'll be lucky if he contacts you to tell you to send a Word document. More likely, he'll pass you by.

If a free resume template (or one you're considering buying) meets those criteria, it's probably worth using. It's a pretty short list.

Notice that I didn't say anything about fancy fonts, or software, or any bells and whistles at all.

Those can be nice, maybe even helpful. They're NOT necessary. Fire up Microsoft Word, load up your template, if necessary change the font to 11-point Times New Roman (a standard, atractive, and "safe" font), and start typing!

A free resume template isn't going to do the work for you. It simply might save you time on the more mundane tasks, like formatting the document.

The job-winning content is all up to you.

Copyright 2005 by Roy Miller

An article by Roy Miller, creator of http://www.Job-Search-Guidepost.com. He recently developed a simple, powerful, job-winning resume template package. You can get your FREE copy here: free resume template. And if you liked this article, be sure to sign up for Roy's free weekly newsletter.

This article may be reprinted for use in newsletters and on websites provided that this information box is kept intact. Email notice of intent to publish is appreciated but not required: roy@job-search-guidepost.com.

MORE ARTICLES:

Established Professional Resume Service Launches New Resume Website for Technology Professionals.
Responding to the growing need for professional resumes for technology professionals, established resume writing company launches new Website, BestTechResumes.com

Do You Need A New Resume?
Maybe you haven?t updated your resume since your first job out of college?10 years ago Or perhaps you haven?t been called in for any interviews despite sending out dozens of resumes

Free Resume Templates Available Online
Service provides users with three different resume formats and can place their information in the resume format of their choosing.

How to Handle Resume Flaws
An effective resume is a key tool when you are trying to land a job However, most resumes fail to capture the attention of potential employers for very predictable, but definitely curable, reasons

Resume Formats ... The Hidden Pitfalls
Deciding on a resume format is the first major decision to be made when creating your resume. The overall look of your resume depends on the resume format, font and outline you choose.

How to Write a Resume That Stands Out From The Crowd
Today's job market is competitive. Many companies receive hundreds of resumes a year, making it difficult for yours to stand out from the crowd.

Should You Lie On Your Resume?
Warning: Lying on your resume could cost you your job and your freedom.Picture this.

How to Make Your Resume Stand Out
Whether or not you're planning to look for a new job, it's best to keep your resume updated Get into the habit of updating your accomplishments and skills so that your resume is always ready

AspireHR?s TalentScout Resume Parsing Achieves SAP® Certified Integration Status
AspireHR, an SAP® services partner and a leading implementer of the SAP E-Recruiting application, announced today that its TalentScout Resume Parsing 6.0 has achieved SAP Certified Integration status for use with the SAP E-Recruiting Resume Parsing 603 application.

Common Resume Mistakes - Results from the Palladian International 2008 Resume Benchmarking Survey
After conducting an extensive benchmarking survey of resumes, Palladian International identified several trends, including common mistakes most job seekers make.

How To Write A Resume Cover Letter That Will Get Your Resume Read
A Resume Cover Letter has only one purpose - to stimulate the recipient of your resume to review your resume. This free resume cover letter tutorial assumes that you will be sending your resume and resume cover letter by email.

WorkBlast Provides Expert Tips for Video Resume Success
The new realm of Video Resumes holds exciting possibilities for Job Seekers but can be fraught with self-defeating perils as well. WorkBlast, a Personal Marketing & Networking firm, offers a list of ten tips for success.

Your Resume And Cover Letter: Poor Grammar, Poor Impression
I've become increasingly concerned about the ignorance of Americans - not those who have learned English as a second language, but native English speakers - regardless of race, income level, schooling or other determining factors The number of people who read seems to be decreasing in direct proportion to the number of kids growing up with portable dvds, and ipods

Is Your Resume Doing ITS Job?
Is it opening doors to new opportunities? Does it compel the reader to think, "Hey! This applicant can ..